India is thinking about selling supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia for $450 million. These missiles are called BrahMos and they are really fast! Indonesia wants to strengthen its defenses, especially with recent tensions in the South China Sea due to China’s actions.
People say that the deal might be announced soon, during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India, where he will be a special guest at the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday. One challenge for Indonesia is figuring out how to pay for the missiles since their budget is tight.
If the sale happens, Indonesia will join the Philippines as the second country to have these powerful missiles, which can travel over 380 kilometers (or about 186 miles). Indonesia has been talking about buying these missiles for almost ten years, working together with India and Russia, who helped develop them.
India’s government, as well as Indonesia’s, hasn’t confirmed the deal yet. But a week before the visit, Indonesia announced plans to discuss agreements in health, education, and safety at sea with India.
Indonesia wants to learn more about the missile technology so it can make its own parts if needed. Last month, India’s ambassador spoke with Indonesia’s Defense Minister about this tech transfer idea.
In the past, the US, especially under President Trump, had objections to Indonesia buying military equipment from Russia and China. This was part of their plan to maintain military control. Prabowo, who was once the country’s defense minister, helped cancel these deals to keep a good relationship with the US.
Now, with the US and China causing some worries, Indonesia wants to work more closely with India on military and maritime security. They plan to continue joint military exercises and navy actions together, focusing on security across Asia.
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